University of Detroit Mercy to implement master’s degree scholarship for psychology students

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rising demand in America for trauma-, depression-, and anxiety-related treatments, according to a 2021 Practitioner Survey by the American Psychology Association. According to the survey, there is a sharp increase in referrals for mental health services, a 25% increase from 2020 to 2021, with over two-thirds of psychologists having wait lists. 

In response to this dire need, the University of Detroit Mercy’s College of Liberal Arts and Education has implemented a new scholarship to encourage more psychology students to attain a master’s degree. The new scholarship will be discussed on January 19, but it has already been announced that it will provide funding for graduate students attending the Fall 2023 semester of the school’s clinical psychology master’s program. More information about the program can be found on the master's program information page.

The scholarship for the clinical psychology master’s program was made with the goal of helping to alleviate the drastically growing need for mental health professionals. Students who are taking the three-year master’s level program who have shown a need for financial assistance are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

Dean Jocelyn Boryczka was quoted by an article from the Detroit Free Press, saying, “The master’s program in Clinical Psychology in the College of Liberal Arts & Education is proud to provide the Ignite Scholarship to financially support graduate students and help meet this pressing need in today’s society. Providing this important investment in our graduate students means we have the chance to equip more professions with the academic training and hands-on skills they need to help people."

Kristen Abraham, who serves as an associate professor and program director, also weighed in on the program and scholarship: “University of Detroit Mercy’s Master of Arts program for Clinical Psychology combines academic rigor, small cohorts, individualized career planning and advising for a unique experience. We are very enthusiastic about the new Detroit Mercy Ignite Scholarship.”

More information about the University of Detroit Mercy can be found on the school’s website.